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How AFCON 2023 And Asian Cup Will Impact Premier League 2024

Published

12 months ago

January 9, 2024

AFCON 2023 And Asian Cup Will Impact Premier League | Fab.ng

The scheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the AFC Asian Cup has raised concerns about their impact on the European football season, particularly the Premier League.

The 2023 AFCON and Asian Cup are set to influence the Premier League, introducing both challenges and opportunities for teams. The potential absence of key players engaged in these international competitions may disrupt team dynamics, alter strategies, and ultimately impact their performance in pivotal league and European fixtures.

Expanded impact on premier league teams

Fulham: Their depth will face a test beyond Bassey, Iwobi, and Ballo-Toure during this period. Matches against strong teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Everton are anticipated to be particularly challenging, requiring the club to adapt tactically without these players.

Fulham weigh up new Willian contract after impressive Premier League return | Evening Standard

Liverpool: The absence of Salah, a pivotal player in Liverpool’s attack, is likely to be noticeable. The team’s depth in forwards, including players like Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, will be crucial as they step up to fill the void. Matches against Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Arsenal will serve as tests for the team’s adaptability and squad depth.

Manchester United: The potential unavailability of Onana and Amrabat could impact the team’s midfield stability and defensive capabilities. This might be especially significant in matches against top teams like Tottenham and Aston Villa, where midfield control plays a crucial role.

Nottingham Forest: With a significant number of players expected to be absent, Forest faces a substantial challenge. The team’s strategy will need adjustments to cope with the loss of key defensive and midfield players.

Manchester City and Newcastle United: The absence of AFCON participants provides a comparative advantage for these teams. They can maintain a consistent team selection, offering a potential benefit in this busy period.

Wider impact across the league

Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United: These clubs are expected to feel a more pronounced impact due to the loss of quality and crucial players. The depth of their squads and the tactical acumen of the management will be closely scrutinised.

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Asian Cup Participants: Players like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Son Heung-min hold significant importance for their respective teams. Their absence due to the Asian Cup introduces an additional layer of complexity for clubs such as Arsenal and Tottenham.

Tactical adjustments and transfers

Tactical Adjustments: Teams may consider adopting alternative formations or playing styles to offset the absence of key players. This could result in unforeseen outcomes and performances.

Transfer Market Dynamics: Certain clubs may explore the January transfer window for short-term acquisitions to strengthen their squads, particularly if they are involved in multiple competitions.

Long-Term Season Implications

League Standings and European Qualification: Performance during this phase may impact teams’ standings in the league table and their prospects of qualifying for European competitions.

Team Spirit and Momentum: How teams navigate this demanding period could shape their camaraderie and momentum throughout the season.

The AFCON 2023 and Asian Cup present distinctive challenges for Premier League clubs. Those grappling with notable player absences will need to showcase their squad’s depth and adaptability, while teams unaffected by these tournaments may seize an opportunity to gain an advantage in the league.

This period will put the managerial skills and strategic depth of the teams to the test, potentially resulting in unforeseen developments in the league standings.

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Salah's AFCON 2023 quest reignites football's club vs country debate | Football News | Al Jazeera

List Of Premier League Players Expected To Feature At AFCON Or Asian Cup In 2024

Arsenal: Mohamed Elneny (Egypt), Thomas Partey (Ghana), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan).
Aston Villa: Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso).
Bournemouth: Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso), Antoine Semenyo (Ghana), and Hamed Traore (Ivory Coast).
Brighton: Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Tariq Lamptey (Ghana), Samy Chouchane (Tunisia), Kaoru Mitoma (Japan).
Brentford: Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Frank Onyeka (Nigeria), and Saman Ghoddos (Iran).
Burnley: Anass Zaroury (Morocco), Lyle Foster (South Africa).
Chelsea: Nicolas Jackson (Senegal).
Crystal Palace: Cheick Doucoure (Mali), Jordan Ayew (Ghana), Jeffrey Schlupp (Ghana).
Everton: Abdoulaye Doucoure (Mali), Idrissa Gueye (Senegal).
Fulham: Calvin Bassey (Nigeria), Alex Iwobi (Nigeria).
Liverpool: Joel Matip (Cameroon), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Wataru Endo (Japan).
Luton Town: Issa Kabore (Burkina Faso), Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu (DR Congo).
Man City: No players.
Man United: Andre Onana (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia).
Newcastle: No players.
Nottingham Forest: Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast), Willy Boly (Ivory Coast), Ibrahim Sangare (Ivory Coast), Cheikhou Kouyate (Senegal), Moussa Niakhate (Senegal), Ola Aina (Nigeria), Emmanuel Dennis (Nigeria), and Taiwo Awoniyi (Nigeria).
Sheffield United: Benie Traore (Ivory Coast), Ismaila Coulibaly (Mali), and Anis Ben Slimane (Tunisia).
Tottenham: Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal), Yves Bissouma (Mali), Son Heung-min (South Korea).
West Ham: Said Benrahma (Algeria); Mohamed Kudus (Ghana); Maxwell Cornet (Ivory Coast); Nayef Aguerd (Morocco).
Wolves: Rayan Ait-Nouri (Algeria), Boubacar Traore (Mali), and Hwang Hee-chan (South Korea).

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Premier League Fixtures During AFCON And Asian Cup

Chelsea vs Fulham (Jan 13)
Newcastle vs Man City (Jan 13)
Everton vs Aston Villa (Jan 14)
Man United vs Tottenham (Jan 14)
Burnley vs Luton Town (Jan 15)
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (Jan 20)
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest (Jan 20)
Sheffield United vs West Ham (Jan 21)
Bournemouth vs Liverpool (Jan 21)
Brighton vs Wolves (Jan 22)
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal (Jan 30)
Luton Town vs Brighton (Jan 30)
Fulham vs Everton (Jan 30)
Crystal Palace vs Sheffield United (Jan 30)
Aston Villa vs Newcastle (Jan 30)
Man City vs Burnley (Jan 31)
Tottenham vs Brentford (Jan 31)
Liverpool vs Chelsea (Jan 31)
West Ham vs Bournemouth (Feb 1)
Wolves vs Man United (Feb 1)
Everton vs Tottenham (Feb 3)
Brighton vs Crystal Palace (Feb 3)
Newcastle vs Luton Town (Feb 3)
Burnley vs Fulham (Feb 3)
Sheffield United vs Aston Villa (Feb 3)
Man United West Ham (Feb 4)
Chelsea vs Wolves (Feb 4)
Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest (Feb 4)
Arsenal vs Liverpool (Feb 4)
Brentford vs Man City (Feb 5)
Man City vs Everton (Feb 10)
Wolves vs Brentford (Feb 10)
Fulham vs Bournemouth (Feb 10)
Tottenham vs Brighton (Feb 10)
Luton Town vs Sheffield United (Feb 10)
Liverpool vs Burnley (Feb 10)
Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle (Feb 10)
West Ham vs Arsenal (Feb 11)
Aston Villa vs Man United (Feb 11)
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea (Feb 12)

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Referees To Explain VAR Decisions To Crowd In EFL Cup Semi-Finals Trial

Published

15 hours ago

December 30, 2024

Reporter

Referees to explain VAR decisions in League Cup trial | fab.ng

The English Football League (EFL) announced on Monday that referees will explain Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions to the crowd during a trial period.

This trial will be implemented in the upcoming League Cup semi-final matches.

During the trial, referees will utilise the stadium’s public address system to communicate the final decision to the spectators.

This communication will occur after reviewing the situation on the VAR pitchside monitor. It could also be after making decisions on matters such as accidental handball by a goal scorer or offside judgments.

“The new pilot forms part of PGMOL’s broader commitment to transparency and embracing technological advancements for the benefit of Match Officials and fans,” the EFL said in a statement.

BREAKING: VAR will be in place for this season’s Carabao Cup semi-finals which will also see a trial of in-stadium decision announcements 🚨 pic.twitter.com/N4rjTU7xqL

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 30, 2024

In-stadium VAR announcements have already been successfully implemented in trial runs at prestigious FIFA tournaments. This includes the Women’s World Cup last year and the 2023 Club World Cup.

It is important to note that VAR is exclusively utilised in the League Cup at the semi-final stage. This trial will encompass both legs of the highly anticipated matches between Arsenal and Newcastle United. Also, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool will play as well.

The first-leg matches will take place at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on January 7th and at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the following day.

Check out more sports updates here.

SPORTS

Amad Diallo Determined To “Make History” With Struggling Manchester United

Published

3 days ago

December 28, 2024

Reporter

Amad Diallo to 'make history' with Manchester United | fab.ng

Amad Diallo, 22, has boldly declared his intention to “make history” with Manchester United, despite the club’s ongoing struggles in the Premier League.

Under new manager Ruben Amorim, who replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag after arriving from Sporting Lisbon, United have faced a tough start.

The team has lost five of Amorim’s 10 matches across all competitions. This includes disappointing defeats to Wolves, Bournemouth, and Tottenham in their last three outings.

United are under mounting pressure as they prepare to face Newcastle at Old Trafford on Monday. Currently, they’re sitting in 14th place in the Premier League and only eight points above the relegation zone.

Looking ahead to our final game of 2024 👊#MUFC || #PL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 27, 2024

Despite these challenges, Diallo has emerged as a rare bright spot for the club.

The Ivory Coast forward recently secured a dramatic late winner in the Manchester derby against City. He has also delivered an impressive two goals and six assists in the league this season.

With his sights set on helping Manchester United rise back to the top, Diallo has joined forces with the club’s other young talents to lead the way forward.

“We are part of the project, we have so many young players for this club, especially Garna (Alejandro Garnacho), Kobbie (Mainoo), Joshua (Zirkzee), Rasmus (Hojlund), me, we are young players who want to make history for this club,” Diallo told MUTV.

“We want to do our best every game. Sometimes it cannot work, but you can see in the pitch we are very focused to do our best for this club, because we want to bring back this club to the level it was before.

“So, for the young lads, we just have to keep going, work hard and the most important thing is to listen to the old men, the old players, learn every day.

“We have now a new manager, he likes to work with young players, and he brings a new system, so we just have to follow it and try to do our best every game.”

Back at home for the final time in 2024 🏠#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/pMXAG2A10p

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 28, 2024

Amad Diallo has showcased his versatility during the early stages of Ruben Amorim’s tenure.

They excelled in both the right wing-back position and more advanced attacking roles.

“In football this can happen,” he added. “Don’t be focused in only one position. Sometimes you can play as a defender, sometimes as a striker. Wherever the manager puts me I’m ready to fight for the team.

“I just want to play, right wing, number 10, anywhere. I say to the manager if you need me as a ‘keeper I’m ready to do my best, I will fight for the team and for my team-mates; I want to make history for this club.”

Check out more sports news here.

SPORTS

Ex-Arsenal Star Ahmed Mohammed On Katsina Academy & Partnership With Mbappe’s AS Bondy

Published

3 days ago

December 28, 2024

Reporter

Ex-Arsenal star Ahmed Mohammed on Katsina Academy... | fab.ng

Ahmed Mohammed, a former Arsenal Academy and West Ham United youth prodigy, has passionately shared the inspiration behind founding the fast-growing Katsina Football Academy.

During an in-depth interview with Flashscore at their London office, he also detailed the academy’s ambitious vision.

Though established less than 13 months ago, Katsina Football Academy has already emerged as one of Africa’s most prominent and internationally recognised football nurseries.

The academy has rapidly gained a reputation for nurturing talent. Several of its players now feature in Nigerian youth teams.

Located in northern Nigeria, Katsina Football Academy has also become a prime destination for European clubs eager to scout the exceptional talent within its ranks.

Meet the quintessential Ahmed Mohammed, the London-based former youth star of Arsenal and West Ham United, who also had stints at Dagenham & Redbridge FC. Today, he’s using football as a tool for social change and development through his Katsina Football Academy, with some of his… pic.twitter.com/RJomNIYMKf

— Shina Oludare 🇳🇬 (@sportingshina) December 27, 2024

Ahmed Mohammed explained that his decision to create the academy stemmed from a personal vision to nurture grassroots talent in Africa, even with numerous other academies across the continent.

“Growing up in London, football was more than a game – it was a lifeline. It provided purpose and a positive outlet during a time when negative influences surrounded me, “ said Mohammed.

“Football instilled discipline, teamwork, and focus, keeping me grounded and guiding me away from trouble. It helped me build resilience, determination, and a vision for a better future, and I wanted to offer those same opportunities to others.

“The inspiration for Katsina Football Academy came from a desire to use football to transform lives. During a visit to Katsina, I saw untapped potential in young people – raw talent and ambition, but also a lack of structure.

“My vision was to create a platform where youth could develop athletic skills, life skills, education, and direction. Football teaches discipline, leadership, and teamwork – values for life.

“The academy offers a safe space to dream big, stay away from negative influences, and develop self-worth, empowering youth to succeed on and off the field.”

What Makes Katsina Stand Out

Like many other young football enthusiasts in London, Mohammed aspired to greatness in the sport. He showcased his talent at the youth level, representing Arsenal, West Ham United, and Dagenham & Redbridge.

Unfortunately, injuries and personal challenges cut his football journey short, forcing him to abandon his dream.

Katsina Football Academy coaches, alongside Belgium scouts, participated in the 5th Edition of the Global Football Scouting Tournament held in Lagos, in partnership with KVC Westerlo Belgium. pic.twitter.com/sH9KwfqsrE

— KATSINA FOOTBALL ACADEMY (@ktf_academy) December 22, 2024

Determined to turn his setbacks into an opportunity, Mohammed drew from the lessons of his brief career and his keen observations of African football.

This combination of experience and insight allowed Ahmed Mohammed to create something truly unique with Katsina Football Academy.

He continued,

“Katsina Football Academy stands out for its holistic approach to player development, focusing on both athletic and personal growth.

“As Chairman, I bring experience from playing for top UK academies like Arsenal, West Ham, and Dagenham & Redbridge, and working with Tottenham Hotspur to transform young lives.

“The academy goes beyond football by offering life-skills training, mentorship, and educational support. We also provide pathways for players to showcase their talents internationally and ensure inclusivity by making the academy accessible to underprivileged youth.

“Our qualified coaching staff, modern facilities, and emphasis on character building create a strong foundation for success both on and off the field.

“Additionally, we integrate education with football through structured schedules, partnerships with schools, on-site programs, and vocational training, empowering players for future careers beyond football. Our mission is to develop well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in all aspects of life.”

Collaboration with Mbappe’s Academy

Katsina Football Academy achieved a major milestone by forming a football development partnership with AS Bondy. This is the French club famous for discovering Real Madrid and French star Kylian Mbappe.

In October 2024, the partnership was formalised in Paris, opening doors for young, talented footballers from Katsina State.

Alhamdulillah its a done deal🙏🏿🎉
Partnership secured with a club in France with ⁦@ktf_academy⁩.
Putting Katsina on the 🌎
Thank you for believing in me My Excellency ⁦@dikko_radda⁩
⁦@fatimatukr⁩ ⁦@Miqdad_Jnr⁩ ⁦@BashirAhmaad⁩ ⁦@gambomanzo⁩ pic.twitter.com/KTtTPGepCk

— Ahmed Mohammed (@youvsyoultd) October 24, 2024

This collaboration allows these players to travel to France. There, they showcase their skills and pursue opportunities to secure professional contracts with European clubs.

Mohammed added,

“The partnership with Bondy Academy was driven by a shared vision to empower young football talents and offer global opportunities.

“Bondy’s proven track record in developing players aligns with Katsina Football Academy’s mission. This collaboration aims to provide exposure to international scouts, emphasise holistic development, and offer world-class coaching.

“Bondy’s success with players like Kylian Mbappe inspired Katsina to follow suit, creating a pathway for Nigerian talent. The partnership also strengthens our position as a key hub for football development in Africa, ensuring grassroots talent has the resources to succeed.

“Ultimately, this agreement marks a milestone in building a brighter future for young players, offering both football and life opportunities.”

Katsina Football Academy was launched in September 2023. It has already produced exceptional talents like Umar Yusuf, Ahmad Nasir, and Usman Abdullahi.

The academy actively strives to establish itself as a premier institution for football development and youth empowerment in Nigeria and beyond.

Check out more sports news here.